Stomach and Duodenum Diseases

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria, which results in gastric infection. It is estimated to be found in more than 50% of the international population. It is not sure how exactly the bacteria can be spread; however, unclean food or water may aid in the spreading of the infection and result in different gastric diseases or conditions, including peptic ulcer disease or gastric cancer in severe complications.

Disorders of the digestive tract may result in gastrointestinal bleeding. The blood is not always visible in the stool or vomit; however, it may result in tarry black stools. Bleeding can be life-threatening in some cases. Identifying the source of bleeding is not always easy, especially if its origin is in the small intestines.

Angiodysplasia describes abnormal vascular malformations found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, especially in the cecum and right colon. These malformations are prone to bleed and may be responsible for painless hematochezia, melena and concomitant anemia. Diagnosis can be made by direct visualization during endoscopy or angiography. Treatment consists of endoscopic interventions, including embolization and coagulation, antifibrinolytic medications and surgery as a last resort.

Approximately 10% of the US population experience peptic ulcer disease, which has significantly impacted the health care system; both men and women appear to be affected equally with the condition. Peptic ulcer disease may lead to several complications, including an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Over the past several years, more and more individuals attract malignant gastric cancer. In many cases, however, the initial symptoms of the disease are so non-specific that the tumor is not diagnosed until it is in an advanced stage, resulting in the prognosis being worse. Which risk factors promote the development of gastric cancer, and what are the treatment options once the diagnosis of gastric carcinoma has been made? In the following article, you will find out everything you need to know about gastric cancer.

Increased production of stomach acid or damage of the gastric mucosal barrier may irritate the sensitive gastric mucosa or stomach lining to the degree that gastritis occurs. Gastritis may develop over a longer period of time, but may also occur suddenly and have many causes. As gastritis is one of the most common stomach diseases, this article will provide you with on overview of the various types of gastritis and also address very rare forms of this disease.

Duodenal atresia is one of the most common inborn defects of the digestive system, namely of the intestine, that is often associated with other congenital malformations and genetic pathologies (21 trisomy). The frequency of occurrence of this disorder is affected by the hypoxia of the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy and is caused by severe chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, stress, diabetes, drug and alcohol abuse during pregnancy. Nowadays, duodenal atresia is one of the most common congenital defects in the neonates. Moreover, it is well-diagnosed and curable in most of the cases, if timely detected and not neglected.

Gastroparesis is defined as a chronic motility disorder where there is a delayed emptying of the stomach without an apparent mechanical obstruction. Usually, both solids and liquids are affected. Gastroparesis is usually of undetermined causes, but can also be linked to previous abdominal surgeries or diabetes mellitus. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and early satiety. Once diagnosed, the patient is instructed to follow a diet that has more liquid, promotility agents could be prescribed and antiemetics are used for symptomatic relief.

Dumping syndrome, or “too rapid drainage of the stomach,” is a condition most often found in patients post-gastrectomy. Symptoms of this condition can be separated into vasomotor symptoms (such as palpitations, flushing or diaphoresis) and abdominal symptoms (such as diarrhea, nausea or cramps). The symptoms often resolve within several months. Medication is often helpful and surgical intervention is rarely necessary.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is one of the rare conditions that affect the duodenum or the pancreas. Tumors (gastrinomas) form in the duodenum or the pancreas, which secrete huge amounts of gastrin leading to excess acid production in the stomach. This excess acid results in the formation of related symptoms as well as peptic ulcers.